Fia Sues Eu

In contrast to many peoples' expectations, the FIA launched legal action against the European Union earlier this week, claiming that its reputation has been damaged by accusations of commercial misconduct.


The EU had been investigating the FIA's approach to television coverage - which it believed amounted to a cartel - and several other infringements of trading regulations. However, FIA president Max Mosley has claimed that the reputation and standing of the sport's governing body has been harmed by ill-informed media comment from EU competitions minister Karel van Miert and the illegal transmission of confidential documents by his staff.


Although legal proceedings began earlier this week, no action is likely to result for some time. This will further delay the proposed flotation of F1 by the FIA, which cannot go ahead until the legal battle is resolved. Meanwhile, insiders believe that the governing body will relocate to Geneva, which is outside EU jurisdiction.